Spend your Christmas holidays in Armenia

Armenia is the first nation to accept Christianity, so Armenians stay true to the first date chosen for Christmas. The good news about the birth of Christ is celebrated in the Armenian churches with a special care and love.

Armenian Christmas date

Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6 unlike the rest of the world (at the beginning of the 4th century, the Roman church moved Christmas to December 25th). The feast in Armenia begins on January 5 at 17:00 and lasts until midnight.

Armenian Christmas traditions

On the evening of the 5th of January, the Holy Liturgy of “Chragaluits” is served in all the churches. “Chragaluits” is an Armenian word which is translated as “lighting of lamps”.

This evening, believers take lighted lamps and candles to their homes. Illumination symbolizes the light of the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the way for the Magi to the baby Christ.

Before Christmas, Armenians fast for exactly five days. However, the Christmas table of Armenians is rich in dishes.
Traditionally it consists of fish (a symbol of Christ), pilaf with dried fruits and raisins (the personification of humanity and Christians), dishes made out of different herbs (a symbol of fertility and the birth of a new life), red wine (the memory of Christ’s blood shed for human sins).

Armenians have a unique way to greet each other on Christmas. When Armenians meet, they greet each other with these interesting words: “Christ is Born and Revealed”. And the answer is “Good news for you and us”.